The 8 Best Resorts Near Mount Rushmore | Hand-Picked for 2025
We evaluated every option and found the best resorts near Mount Rushmore so you can get as close as possible to the breathtaking natural grandeur while enjoying some family-style Americana charm.
This part of South Dakota, by the way, isn’t just about the iconic rock faces.
It’s a broader mix of scenic drives, national parks, heritage towns, and pine-covered wilderness that practically begs for a longer stay.
With everything from rustic cabins to upscale lodges, there’s a bit of something for everyone, whether you’re road-tripping with the kids or on a quiet couples’ retreat.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To come up with this list of the best resorts near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, our team thoroughly combed through feedback from sources like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We filtered properties based on consistency in guest experience, quality of amenities, and value compared to other South Dakota resorts near Mount Rushmore.
Then, using our in-house ranking system, which combines a scoring method based on location, room quality, and family-friendliness, we ranked what we consider the best resorts near Mount Rushmore.
Every resort mentioned is within a short drive from the monument, and they all meet our standards for comfort, cleanliness, and memorable stays.
The 8 Best South Dakota Resorts near Mount Rushmore – 2025 Full Guide
8. Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Only 3 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Includes both lodge rooms and full RV hookups
- On-site restaurant and convenience store
This resort is part traditional lodge and part camper’s haven, which makes it incredibly versatile.
Located inside the Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, it’s extremely close to the monument, making it ideal for travelers who want to spend more time exploring and less time commuting.
The lodge rooms are simple but pretty comfy, while the larger units with kitchens cater to families or longer stays.
You’ve got a big pool area for summer months, and multiple on-site dining options including a chuckwagon supper show that’s a bit of a local favorite.
For folks traveling with younger kids, the nightly entertainment and kid-friendly activities really make a difference. Plus, you’re just a short drive from attractions like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.
7. Roosevelt Inn – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Less than 2 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Indoor pool and family suites with bunk beds
- Free continental breakfast
Roosevelt Inn offers a modest option that still feels personal, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.
It’s located in Keystone, which is just a hop from Mount Rushmore itself, practically a five-minute drive if traffic’s light.
The rooms here are on the basic side, but they’re clean and well-kept, and some of them come with bunk beds that younger guests seem to really love.
There’s even an indoor pool that will keep the kids (and adults) entertained for an hour or two while you regroup. And the complimentary breakfast is simple but convenient, especially if you want to head out early toward the monument or nearby hiking areas.
It’s arguably one of the best value South Dakota resorts near Mount Rushmore, especially for short stays or folks watching their budget.
6. Comfort Inn & Suites Mt. Rushmore – Best-Seller
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 2.5 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Indoor heated pool and hot tub
- Free hot breakfast and spacious rooms
This Comfort Inn & Suites in Keystone has kind of become a fan favorite, and it’s easy to understand why once you’re there.
The property is in a prime location, almost right at the base of the drive that leads to Mount Rushmore. It’s very well-kept, fairly modern, and includes plenty of spacious suites with options for extra beds and kitchenettes.
The indoor pool and hot tub are a real bonus after a day spent outdoors, and the breakfast buffet is more than decent, especially considering it’s included in your stay.
Families especially will find the setup practical and relaxed, with friendly staff and easy parking.
It doesn’t try to be fancy, but it definitely delivers where it counts, and that’s probably why it stays booked up during peak travel months.
5. Mountain View Lodge & Cabins
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 7 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Cabins with full kitchens and fireplaces
- Outdoor pool and fire pits
This one’s a little more tucked away, and that’s kind of the appeal. Mountain View Lodge & Cabins offers a slightly more quiet, woodsy vibe that’s super relaxing without being too far from the action.
The cabins feel a bit like home, with full kitchens, private decks, and even cozy fireplaces in many of them.
Guests looking for a more rustic stay without giving up comfort will find a sweet spot here.
There’s an outdoor pool for warmer months, and fire pits scattered around the property for evening hangouts.
Plus, Hill City’s little shops and restaurants are just down the road, making it a practical spot for both cooking in and eating out.
In short, if you want one of the more peaceful South Dakota resorts near Mount Rushmore that still has convenience on its side, this is worth a look.
4. Comfort Inn & Suites Near Mt. Rushmore
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 8 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Heated indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center
- Hot breakfast included
This particular Comfort Inn & Suites sits just outside of Hill City, and it’s almost perfect for travelers who want a bit more breathing room and slightly quieter surroundings.
Rooms here are clean and modern, and the property feels newer than most of the others on this list.
It’s got a heated indoor pool, a surprisingly well-equipped gym, and even laundry facilities that come in handy for longer trips.
It’s not luxurious, but it’s consistently comfortable, and service is typically very solid. Plus, that free hot breakfast gives you a nice head start before heading toward Mount Rushmore or down to Custer for some sightseeing.
Overall, it’s a solid midrange choice that tends to strike the right balance between affordability and amenities.
3. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 4 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Safari-style luxury tents with private bathrooms
- Campfire dining and nature-focused experiences
Under Canvas is definitely for folks who want something different, something a bit more immersive and outdoorsy but still stylish.
These luxury tents come with real beds, wood stoves, and yes, even private bathrooms in most of them.
You’re sleeping under the stars, but you’re not exactly roughing it, which is part of the reason people absolutely love it here.
The location is beautifully quiet, surrounded by pine forest, yet just a quick drive from Mount Rushmore itself. There’s no pool, but that’s not really the vibe here. It’s more about fireside dinners, early hikes, and disconnecting for a bit.
If you’re up for a more nature-oriented take on South Dakota resorts near Mount Rushmore, this one’s a standout.
2. Black Elk Resort – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 6 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Mix of suites, cabins, and RV sites
- On-site wine bar and coffee shop
Black Elk Resort sort of flies under the radar, but it’s quietly become a favorite among travelers who want options.
The property has a bunch of different lodging types: cabins, lodge rooms, and even RV sites, which gives travelers lots of flexibility. The decor is rustic but updated, and everything is incredibly well maintained.
There’s an on-site wine bar and a cozy coffee shop that make mornings and evenings feel a bit more elevated.
You won’t find a swimming pool here, but the outdoor spaces are so well designed that it kind of makes up for it.
For people trying to get close to Mount Rushmore without going over budget, it’s pretty hard to beat the overall value offered here.
1. K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located 2 miles from Mount Rushmore
- Luxury lodge-style rooms with private balconies
- Views of Mount Rushmore from the property
K Bar S Lodge, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, is our top overall pick as the best resort near Mount Rushmore, period.
The property is nestled just outside of Keystone, but surrounded by tall pines and huge boulders that make the setting feel very private.
Several rooms have direct views of Mount Rushmore, which is rare, and the lodge-style interiors feel upscale without being pretentious.
You’ve got complimentary breakfast, large modern bathrooms, and private patios that make you want to stay out there and sip coffee just a little longer.
For anyone searching for the best resorts near Mount Rushmore that combine location, comfort, and scenery, K Bar S is absolutely the one to beat.
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